During today's Sunday School lesson while Pastor Dean Stewart shared insights of the church calendar (November 24, 2016 - November 23, 2017), I realized how many don't have the opportunity to be reminded of this information. So, I wanted to share a snippet of what we discussed in Sunday School Today.
The
beginning of the church calendar started November 24 this year. During this next church calendar, we will be thinking
of different segments of Christ’s life and death and our spiritual growth. I wanted to share this reminder of the
different seasons. At the end of each
bulleted item is the color of the season.
- Advent, which marks the beginning of the church year and starts at the end of November. We are preparing for the coming of Jesus Christ. Blue.
- Christmas Eve, Christmas Day, through January 6 when we celebrate Christ’s birth. White.
- The Epiphany season, which starts on January 6, twelve days after Christmas (remember the “Twelve Days of Christmas” song? The season goes until Lent. We think about the time that Jesus spent with the people on Earth. Green.
- Lent which starts with Ash Wednesday (40 days). This time is spent in self-examination and quiet contemplation of the mysteries of God. Blue.
- Easter includes: Maundy Thursday, Good Friday, and the Vigil of Easter on Saturday as well as the day Christ arose, Easter, and the following Sundays until Pentecost when the Holy Spirit descended from heaven. White.
- The last season of the year is Pentecost when the Holy Spirit descended from heaven. The time that follows is the Time after Pentecost which are the days following Pentecost until the end of the church year in November! This time is used for evangelism and outreach as we celebrate the presence of the Holy Spirit. Red on Pentecost Sunday. Green on Sundays following.
As we go worship through the year, you may want to take some time to reflect on the different aspects of our church's history and beliefs.
Thanks, Pastor Stewart!
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